Jealous or Thankful?

This activity helps children understand that our jealousy is wrong but thankfulness is right.by Leah Pittsinger

TOPICS:

Jealousy, Thankfulness

MATERIALS:

Bible

DURATION:

Approximately 10 minutes

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

Ask the children to sit in front of you on the floor.

Explain to the class that being jealous means wanting what someone else has. Instead of being jealous, we should be thankful for what God has given us. Ask the children to listen to the following examples and quietly raise their hands to state whether the person is jealous or thankful.

1. Mary’s friend received a brand new toy for her birthday, so Mary went home and cried because she didn’t have a new toy.2. Josh didn’t have brand new clothes like his older brother, but he was glad to wear the nice clothes his brother had outgrown.3. Ashley didn’t have a juice box in her lunchbox like her friends, but she was happy her mom had remembered to pack her favorite chips.4. Brandon had a special day with his dad but became upset when it was his little sister’s turn to have a special day with their dad.

Help the children understand that human jealousy is bad and results from sin. We have the choice to choose thankfulness instead of jealousy. Complete the activity by reading Philippians 4:11-12 & 19. Explain to the class that being “content” means being thankful with what God has provided. Encourage the children to turn their love back to God and be thankful when they feel jealous.